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Energy theft is not only illegal, but incredibly dangerous, increasing the potential for shocks, severe burns and electrical fires.
Every month, people type into Google phrases like, ‘how to bypass your meter,’ thinking that it’s just a way to save money. The search results will show a host of articles that demonstrate to individuals how to bypass their meter. While these articles provide users with meter cheating techniques, they don’t illustrate the fact that tampering with a meter is dangerous and has potentially fatal consequences.
Many individuals think that energy theft has few consequences, but a tampered meter poses a risk to human life. Next time you come across a YouTube Video titled ‘how to bypass your meter’, consider the potential life-threatening consequences this could have on others – family members, neighbours, your community. Learn more about the unknown dangers of energy theft.
The Dangers of Energy Theft
Shocks and Severe Burns
Messing with the wiring on an electric meter could make switches or appliances ‘live’ to the touch or make them overheat or malfunction.
This risks shocks and severe burns to anyone using the appliances.
Electrical Fires
Wires with loose connections can get so hot that they start fires. This puts innocent lives at risk as well as destroying property, endangering everyone in the building and those around them.
Lethal Leaks and House Fires
Damaging the gas supply risks dangerous leaks. As gas fumes build in a room it displaces the air causing headaches and even loss of consciousness.
Leaking gas is also highly flammable and can be easily ignited – flicking a light switch is all it takes to cause an explosive fireball, risking terrible injuries.
Catastrophic Explosions
If large amounts of gas escape from a tampered meter, it can build up in the air throughout the house. The whole building is now ready to explode with all the power and devastating force of a bomb.
Read more about the dangers of energy theft.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from energy theft is to know the signs. Read our guide on how to spot energy theft on your meter, in your home and in your local community.
How To Report Energy Theft
Stay Energy Safe was set up to provide people with a hub where they could report suspected energy theft 100% anonymously. You can fill out the form here.
To learn more about gas and electricity theft click the links below: